Tag Archives: Gym

News

New health complex lifts spirits of young footballers with sponsorship deal

THE team behind a much-anticipated new health, exercise and wellbeing complex have shown their support for a community football club.

LVL5 Gyms Ltd is the new sponsor of Llysfaen Knights junior soccer squad.

Led by manager Colin Archer, the under-14s play in the Colwyn and Aberconwy Junior League and thanked owners Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake – who hails from the village – for providing them with full kits, training wear and rain jackets.

Colin, a UEFA and FA Youth Awards-qualified coach with more than 25 years’ experience, including time spent in America with MLS side Chicago Fire’s Academy, said the company’s backing has already made a huge difference.

“The team is getting better, numbers are growing, and we are very ambitious, but with no sponsor or kits for the players we were at a bit of a loss, we didn’t know what to do,” he said.

“I can’t thank Sion and Rich enough, they have invested in this young squad and that has given them so much confidence, which we will hopefully turn into positive results out on the pitch.

“We are so very grateful – thank you LVL5 Gyms!”

Rich was proud to be able to support his local community at grassroots level and wished Llysfaen Knights the best of luck for the rest of the season.

“I grew up in Llysfaen so it’s a real honour for me personally to be sponsoring the boys,” he said.

“To be able to give something back and to hear what a difference it has already made is heartening.”

LVL5 Gyms is moving ahead with plans to transform empty units at the former Tudno Castle hotel site in Llandudno into a high-quality gym, coffee, and smoothie bar, changing rooms, sauna and more.

The 6,000 square metre two-floor facility will employ up to 10 people and both Sion and Rich are hopeful their proposals for the coastal resort will be supported by the local community.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback and are confident LVL5 Gyms can bring something fresh to Llandudno,” said Sion.

For more information, visit www.lvl5gyms.com or follow @lvl5gyms on social media. Alternatively, email info@lvl5gyms.co.uk. 

To join Llysfaen Knights, and for more information email carcher57@hotmail.com or call 07748353466.

News

Gym bosses await green light on 6,000 sq metre seaside health complex

A NEW health, exercise and wellbeing complex will breathe life into a seaside town centre and give the economy a welcome lift.

Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake, directors of LVL5 Gyms Ltd, are awaiting a decision on plans to transform empty units at the former Tudno Castle hotel site in Llandudno into a high-quality gym, coffee, and smoothie bar, changing rooms, sauna, spin zones and more.

The 6,000 square metre two-floor facility will employ up to 10 people and both Sion and Rich – who hail from Conwy county – are hopeful their proposals for the coastal resort will be supported by the local community.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback and are confident LVL5 Gyms can bring something fresh to Llandudno,” said Sion.

“It’s a fantastic location and as we are both from the area it means a lot for us to be able to open a business in such a vibrant space, in a place we know so well.”

Rich, a personal trainer and Workplace Resilience and Wellbeing Master Practitioner (WRAW MP), added: “What we are proposing is something unique, with a focus on the wellbeing of our customers and gym users.

“We have invested in the very latest technology and machinery, but mindfulness and making exercise more accessible in a warm, welcoming environment is one of our top priorities, especially post-pandemic.”

The gym will feature innovative equipment including the region’s first Fit3D Proscanner, and its foundations are built on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – Self-Actualization, Esteem, Love/Belonging, Safety and Physiological.

“The entire space will be centred around the mind and body, having a healthy routine and positive focus,” said Sion, who is also managing director of award-winning retail chain PetPlace.

“This will be a place people can come to train and lift weights but also to be part of a community, socialise and experience something new, something different from the norm – we are excited to see how things develop.”

Rich added: “This is the perfect location, and our aim is to create a setting unlike any other in this region.

“There is demand out there for a gym like this, with state-of-the-art facilities and a mission to support the mental and physical health of customers and the community.

“We will be so proud to be able to do that on our doorstep right here in Llandudno and thank everyone for their support so far.”

Edward Hiller, Managing Director of Mostyn Estates, congratulated LVL5 Gyms and said their arrival will bring something new to the town.

“We are delighted to be welcoming them to Llandudno and have recognised for some time that there is a gap in the market for a premium offering like this,” he said.

“LVL5 has a really clear ambition to provide a facility the town can be proud to host, so we wish them the very best for the future.”

For more information, visit www.lvl5gyms.com or follow @lvl5gyms on social media. Alternatively, email info@lvl5gyms.co.uk. 

News

Welsh sports stars, helpline and fitness app unite for World Mental Health Day

A SUPPORT helpline and pioneering Wales-based fitness app have joined forces to promote mental health awareness.

Fitap provides a platform for communities in Wales to get moving; supporting people in their health and wellbeing journey involves their mental health, and signposting services in their geographical area, as well as encouraging people to exercise, eat healthily and keep active will aid their mental and physical welfare.

Alongside CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales – and to mark World Mental Health Day today (October 10) – they have united to shine a light on an issue which is more prevalent than ever given the post-pandemic economic and social climate.

Fitap founder Alex Cuthbert – who launched the app with Wales rugby union teammate Gareth Anscombe and Welsh CEO and entrepreneur Dean Jones – is proud to be in association with CALL.

He said: “From a sporting perspective, given the demands of the game and the abuse and negativity you can experience on social media and online, it is so important to look after your mental health.

“Having experienced that myself and seen friends and other players impacted, it was a big part of the reason we wanted to do all we could to get behind CALL and promote the value of exercise, social interaction, and nutrition, especially given the amount of time people spent in self-isolation and lockdown.

“Knowing someone is there for you is important, and for those who do not have friends or family to talk to, being able to pick up the phone and speak to the amazing team at CALL is a lifeline.”

Dean added: “We are delighted to be in partnership with CALL and through Fitap can help display and demonstrate the wide range of services available for those who need them most, whether it’s a support group, a phone number or website, there are people who can help at the touch of a button.

“It’s crucial that we get people talking and remove any stigmas around mental health, because it affects so many people, especially at the current time. By putting all this information in one central, accessible place Fitap can help people with that.”

Statistics from MentalHealth-UK.org website revealed people who take part in regular physical activity have up to a 30% lower risk of depression, so the pairing of the app and charity are a perfect match.

CALL Manager Luke Ogden reinforced Dean’s words and thanked Fitap – which unveiled double Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones as a brand ambassador in past weeks – for making mental health services a priority.

“We are pleased to be working with Fitap to promote good mental and physical health to the people of Wales,” he said.

“Mental and physical wellbeing are both closely related and can have an effect on each other, and we feel it is essential that everyone has the tools to learn how they can look after themselves.”

Luke added: “CALL Helpline is an all-Wales mental health helpline, free to use for anyone living in Wales.

“We give emotional support and provide a listening ear for anyone wanting to discuss their mental health concerns and can also signpost users to services across the country.

“Like Fitap, we are always available and are able to support the people of Wales both in Welsh and English – 24/7.”

For more information on Fitap, follow @fitapofficial on social media. 

Text 81066 or call freephone 0800 132 737 for more on CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales. Alternatively, visit www.callhelpline.org.uk.

Visit the World Health Organisation website for news and information on World Mental Health Day: www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

News

Double Olympic champion joins fitness app to get Wales moving in obesity crisis

DOUBLE Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones has partnered with a revolutionary fitness app with the goal of getting people moving in Wales.

Jade, from Flint, has joined Wales-based Fitap as a brand ambassador, along with founders Welsh Rugby Union stars Alex Cuthbert and Gareth Anscombe.

A former world and European champion in the rising sport of Taekwondo, the 29 year-old ‘Headhunter’ was also champion at the London and Rio Olympics.

She hopes to inspire more females into exercise and healthy living, which will contribute to conquering Wales’ obesity crisis.

As Fitap – which launches before the end of the year – is offering free advertising space to industry professionals until January 2023, Jade says the time is now for businesses to take advantage of the offering and support in our bid to get Welsh people moving.

“Being a role model to young women and anyone who wants to improve their body and mind is very important to me, so I’m delighted to join the Fitap family,” she said.

“There is nothing like this in the country, a unique platform connecting users with multiple sports, activities, and community groups, whatever your age, ability, or background.

“Sport is for everyone, and that’s one of the main reasons I’m so passionate about Fitap and the potential it has to transform the way we access local services, getting people moving and bringing them together, especially post-pandemic.”

Jade added: “I look forward to seeing how the app develops over the coming months and playing my part in spreading the word – it’s an honour to be a part of it.”

Founded by Wales rugby union internationals Alex Cuthbert and Gareth Anscombe, in partnership with Welsh CEO and entrepreneur Dean Jones, the app, website and search engine will save users time and money, delivering options they may never have come across before based on their specific requirements, geographical location, budget, and availability.

‘’Fitap is an affordable and accessible platform that gives independent gyms, health groups, individual exercise instructors as well as free-to-access community groups a platform to showcase their services and facilities and create awareness in the community,’’ said Dean.

“Having Jade on board – a respected, successful athlete who truly cares about improving health and fitness in communities across Wales – is a huge coup for us and we are absolutely delighted she will now be a part of our journey.

“Fitap is a game changer for the sector, which has been reflected in the money we have raised and feedback from businesses, sports stars, and people in this arena.

“We are filling a void and helping to build a more active, engaged population here in Wales and further afield, as well as raising the app’s profile and promoting and sharing key issues and information on mental health and other vital subjects.

“Jade will play a major role in that; we are thrilled she is part of the team and encourage people to get in touch and be a part of it.”

For more information on Fitap, visit www.fitap.co.uk and follow @fitapofficial on social media. 

News

Rugby stars aim to convert gym goers to innovative new health and fitness app

TWO high profile Welsh rugby players and an entrepreneur have completed a successful round of investment to support the relaunch of a fitness app that will revolutionise the way people access exercise and leisure services in Wales.

Fitap is an innovative search platform connecting gym owners, personal trainers, sports clubs and health and fitness providers with consumers at the touch of a button.

Founded by Wales rugby union internationals Alex Cuthbert and Gareth Anscombe, in partnership with Welsh CEO and entrepreneur Dean Jones, the app is unique and will enable users to search for services in their area, saving time and money and delivering options they may never have come across before.

Those who download Fitap – which is offering free advertising space to fitness professionals until January 2023 – can set up a profile and identify choices tailored to their specific requirements, geographical location, budget, and availability.

“For those providing fitness services, especially independent gyms and personal training facilities, the costs of marketing and advertising is high, and difficult to measure the return on investment. Fitap is an affordable, measurable, and accessible alternative,” said Dean.

“We are excited to share more with people in the coming months as this is a game-changer for the industry and are thankful to those who have supported us on this journey since our soft launch in 2020, notably the well-known businesses and sporting stars who got behind our successful fundraise recently, raising over £200,000.”

Alex and Gareth – key members of the Ospreys and Wales rugby union sides – echoed those comments and believe Fitap will help build a more active and engaged population in Wales.

“At present there is no one-specific place for people to explore their health and fitness options, so the app will fill that void,” said Alex.

“Everybody is different and that includes where they are on their health and exercise journey, so this will give them an easy-to-use alternative to scouring the internet in the hope of finding something suitable.

“We are passionate about helping others to be fit, happy and healthy, so it’s brilliant to be able to relaunch Fitap to the market.”

Gareth added: “As well as physical health the mental health of consumers is hugely important to us – particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and self-isolation – so we have a free section where organisations can promote and share their mental health awareness information and activities.

“The app will support users with a bespoke end-to-end experience and give fitness providers a platform to connect directly with them, so they can advertise discounts and offers, and help bring the health and fitness arena to a modern, tech-savvy audience.

“Fitness classes offered vary from gym classes and tennis lessons to white water rafting and kids summer rugby camps, both online and offline – the range is vast and inclusive.

“We are all heartened by the feedback we’ve received so far as this is exactly what the industry has been waiting for, so watch this space!”

For more information on Fitap, visit www.fitap.co.uk and follow @fitapofficial on social media. 

News

Business and training partners launch new gym and lifestyle firm

LEADING lights in business and training are powering ahead with plans to open a revolutionary new health and fitness complex later this year.

Sion Pritchard and Rich Blake have launched LVL5 Gyms Ltd, taking a fresh approach to the industry with proposals for an accessible, innovative environment welcoming people of all ages and abilities.

The duo invested in state-of-the-art equipment – including localised Cryotherapy and the region’s first Fit3D Proscanner – and envision a completely different offering centred on positivity and wellbeing.

Rich, a personal trainer and Workplace Resilience and Wellbeing Master Practitioner (WRAW MP) from Dwygyfylchi, and PetPlace owner Sion, from Colwyn Heights, met four years ago and became training partners before deciding to transform their ideas to reality.

Both felt they could bring something different to North Wales and are determined to level up the industry and offer visitors a first-class experience.

“I know first-hand the difference having a healthy body and mind can have on your whole perspective, because since changing my routine and lifestyle my personal and professional life have never been better,” said Sion.

“It’s not just about going to the gym, lifting weights and training hard, we are aiming for far more than that, a community which is warm and welcoming, an experience people have never had before.

“From the equipment to the social aspect of keeping fit, we will be at the forefront of advances in the sector and will instil a culture of support, safety, mindfulness and hard work, with no pressure and a positive outlook – we can’t wait to get started.”

A partnership with the pioneering Glasgow-based Primal Strength organisation and ethos derived from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – Self-Actualization, Esteem, Love/Belonging, Safety, Physiological – are at the foundation of this upcoming venture.

Rich says with their core values LVL5 is in great shape moving forward.

“We have taken our time to create the brand, find the perfect location and design a bespoke, cutting-edge facility that will make a big impact on the health and fitness arena,” he said.

“There will be plenty of options for people who want to come and train, or prefer instructor-led sessions, one-to-one support, and small group activities. We will also be giving free talks and presentations with industry experts, and so much more.

“LVL5 will be designed to be accessible to all, and there is huge demand out there for what we are planning, especially post-pandemic where physical and mental health have become even more of a priority.

“We just want our members to experience what Sion and I have been through in past years, how exercise, nutrition and self-care can leave you a happier, healthier person, mentally and physically.”

Sion echoed those words, and said: “We will keep investing, keep bringing in the latest technology and keep raising the bar.

“At this stage we can’t say too much more other than ‘watch this space’, something very, very exciting, modern and fresh is coming and we believe it will revolutionise the gym experience here in North Wales.”

For more information, visit www.lvl5gyms.com or follow @lvl5gyms on social media. Alternatively, email info@lvl5gyms.co.uk. 

Logistics, News

Concept2 Chooses ArrowXL to Support Customer Service Commitment

Concept2, the premium gym equipment provider, has chosen leading 2-person delivery company ArrowXL, to handle the delivery of its product range to households across the UK. It follows a substantial increase in demand since the start of the pandemic as people continue to turn to home fitness with gyms remaining closed.

ArrowXL will receive all orders into the Worcester hub before delivering items such as RowErgs, BikeErgs & SkiErgs. Depending on local lockdown rules all items will be taken to the customers’ room of choice for added convenience.

Concept2 customers will be able to choose when they want the item delivered using ArrowXL’s diary booking system, so customers can select their preferred delivery date. All items will be fully tracked and regular communication from the ArrowXL customer team provided about the progress of the delivery.

Jake Evans, logistics manager at Concept2 said: “We were looking for a courier who could offer a more dependable service to our home delivery customers, specifically in terms of reliability and ability to offer a delivery window on a specified date’. ArrowXL has so far exceeded our expectations!”

Craig Kavanagh, Sales Director at ArrowXL, said: “Concept2 sell premium gym equipment and wanted a delivery service to reflect this. The 2-man diary service that ArrowXL offer fulfils their requirement perfectly in terms of customer expectation and service.”